Experts are characterizing the recent fatal U.S. military action in the Caribbean as the latest step in an extensive campaign aimed at dismantling Iran and Hezbollah’s expanding drug trafficking network in Venezuela.
U.S. officials report that Tren de Aragua collaborates closely with the Cartel of the Suns—an organization of military elites long implicated in moving cocaine in conjunction with Hezbollah.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly informed Digital that “President Trump has undertaken numerous measures to restrict Iran’s terrorist proxies, such as Hezbollah, by sanctioning high-ranking officials and financial facilitators. The President has demonstrated his commitment to holding any terrorist group accountable that endangers our nation’s security by smuggling narcotics intended to harm Americans.”
Brian Townsend, a retired DEA special agent, told Digital, “This was a decisive blow against narco-terrorists.” He further noted that their role, while rarely obvious, is vital: “They do not directly engage in drug handling. Instead, they launder money and provide networks to assist cartels in transferring funds through the Middle East. Simply put, they take a share from the drug trade, which then finances their activities in the Middle East.”
Townsend also stated that Hezbollah has become “a primary financier and money launderer for narco-terrorism groups like Tren de Aragua,” ensuring that when cocaine is moved, Hezbollah-affiliated facilitators frequently process at least a portion of the profits.
Dani Citrinowicz, a senior fellow at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies, remarked that Hezbollah’s influence heavily depends on the region’s Lebanese diaspora. He told Digital, “Most of the Shia diaspora, particularly in Central and South America, is Lebanese.” He added, “Hezbollah serves as the link between the diaspora and Iran.”
Citrinowicz explained that the group leverages family bonds, language, and community organizations to solidify its presence across Latin America. “They appoint imams, fund religious centers, and control educational programs… through these networks, Hezbollah can interact with local cartels, sell drugs, and channel the proceeds back to Lebanon using intricate schemes.”
He asserted that this connecting function makes Hezbollah indispensable in the Western Hemisphere. “The underlying reason for this connection is hostility towards the West in general, and specifically towards the United States,” he said. “As long as Maduro remains in power, the Iranians will be there. But if Maduro departs, Iran will lose its most crucial stronghold of activity in Latin America.”
Townsend indicated that the partnership benefits both sides. “Iran’s alliance with Maduro enables Hezbollah to operate within Venezuela. Iran, through Hezbollah, can operate safely in the West without prosecution, and Maduro and his officials are well compensated. Ultimately, Maduro is unconcerned—he and his associates benefit financially.”
Both experts identified state complicity as the primary enabler. Townsend stated, “Under Maduro and Chávez, Venezuela evolved into a major transit hub for Colombian cocaine.” He elaborated, “There have been multiple U.S. indictments and Treasury OFAC designations that directly link senior government officials to the use of state infrastructure—ports, air bases, even military convoys—to transport enormous quantities of cocaine. The Cartel of the Suns, comprised of high-ranking military officers, manages and protects these shipments. Hezbollah, in turn, launders all of this drug money.”
Citrinowicz highlighted Iran’s substantial investment in Venezuelan power structures. He noted, “This enhancement is demonstrated by several factors: primarily, military cooperation, especially Iranian factories constructing UAVs for the Venezuelan army, and continuous Quds Force flights from Iran through Africa towards Venezuela.” He further mentioned that “Iran is also teaching Venezuela how to bypass sanctions and has invested billions into its economy.”
Experts suggest that Washington’s most effective leverage lies in cutting off the finances. Townsend advised, “We need to aggressively target and choke these financial networks.” He continued, “The priority is to attack the financial and logistical networks, indict everyone we can, and pressure Maduro. If we can sever the financial arteries, cocaine will no longer be as profitable.”
Citrinowicz concurred that the strike fits into a broader strategic effort. He explained, “By weakening Maduro, the U.S. diminishes the Iranian presence and Iran’s capacity to threaten U.S. soil.” He added, “The most effective way to weaken Venezuela is also to target the Iranian presence there.”
For Washington, experts maintain that Hezbollah’s narcotics empire in Venezuela is no longer merely a regional issue. It is increasingly being treated as a direct threat to America’s security at home.